I think that as noted by the author, these were too upscale for most who would be interested and hardly think that any are worth the money considering that you can get a well equiped Caravan (I know. I know) for less. Anyway why would less of everything cost more? So, very interesting all the same and I think that the CUV/SUV or whatever designation is given to them...does them a disservice since I think that they are just nice small cars with the right ground clearance and ease of entry and exit. Outdating similar vehicle sizes considered to be "cars". I wonder how many have been put off by the description nomenculature...."don't want a cross country vehicle". Personally I don't want AWD and don't include this aspect as an asset when looking at the test vehicles; so that I only want FWD but otherwise like this format type. Maybe there are others of like mind, I don't know, but suspect that there are and maybe a test of the participents, lesser endowed brothers, would be of interest. FWD only but nicely "mid range" equiped. It is also the price you see. I think the Suzuki is only 4WD but the Soul would qualify also for me.
Not withstanding the above, the Caravan and towing will be coming to an end anon and one of these will be on the horizon. A decent little Chevvy in the fold and available as FWD also. Have not been able to say that in a while except maybe for the Cruise. There has to be a contender in there for me surely...hopefully I don't fall through the option sieve. I like the look of this chunky little Car and the dash is interestingly done but don't know how the speed display will go down. I like the speedo cluster in the Kia and they seem to get the point that your speed is the important measure and RPM not so...nice big speedo.
Anyway, forgeting my lack of interest for AWD; I really like the Subie Crosstrek. So much so, that I would make an exception here and take it anyway. Failing a better alternative. I'm tired of fighting. I like it a lot.
Yeah, forgot the Matrix.
Just as real estate prices are based on location, location...these vehicles should have prices based on Car size..size. Not nomenclature. Most folk out here have few 'Entitlements' and it might be that they are begining to be outpriced as well as being outsourced...or in spite of it.